Trimble offers sophisticated machine control package for mills and slipformers

Trimble’s sophisticated PCS900 machine control system can now be used on milling machines and slipform pavers, as well as featuring additional functionalities. Jeroen Snoeck, global segment manager for Trimble Navigation, said, “It used to be just for asphalt pavers but now we’re adding two more machines, mills and slipform pavers.”
April 17, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Trimble’s new PCS900 system offers additional control capabilities
2122 Trimble’s sophisticated PCS900 machine control system can now be used on milling machines and slipform pavers, as well as featuring additional functionalities.

Jeroen Snoeck, global segment manager for Trimble Navigation, said, “It used to be just for asphalt pavers but now we’re adding two more machines, mills and slipform pavers.”

Snoeck also explained that the system now features extra technology that will increase its accuracy. He said, “We’ve added a gyroscope.” This unit measures lateral movement in the three axis as well as rotational movements and provides accurate slope sensing capabilities.

For the wider concrete paving applications, for example, two gyroscope units can be fitted so as to provide accurate slope sensing from either side of the slipformer. Small and compact, the gyroscope is a tough and durable industrial unit that is also comparatively inexpensive.

Another of the additional features will help boost productivity and efficiency for contractors. Snoeck said, “The other new thing is it has a total universal station. Previously you had to change the channel when you moved from one total station to another. Now all the total stations communicate on the same radio channel and are connected.”

The advantage for long milling, asphalt paving or concrete slipforming projects is that the machine can be run continuously, without needing to reset the control unit. Snoeck said, “One contractor said he’ll save up to one-and-a-half hours/shift without needing to stop the machine for switching channels.” This feature will also help with continuity with regard to finish, a key issue with both asphalt and concrete paving operations.

The PCS900 unit is versatile and mobile and Snoeck said, “You can also move the equipment quickly from one machine to another. All the components fit into one case and you just need to move the mast and the receiver.”

Although Trimble’s rivals in the machine control market are well established in the concrete paving segment, the firm believes it can build its market share in the concrete paving sector and says that the PCS900 can work well with machines from both 218 Gomaco and Guntert & Zimmerman.

Stand: A3/327

www.trimble.com

View more videos
View more stories

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Paving control package for concrete or asphalt pavers
    April 10, 2012
    Leica Geosystems has launched v3.0 of its Leica PaveSmart 3D system, which is designed specifically for concrete and asphalt paving and milling applications. This upgraded package is now said to support a wider range of paving equipment and applications than before. PaveSmart 3D v3.0 will be available late March 2012 through Leica Geosystems’ direct sales and approved paving solution distribution channels, including GOMACO.
    Read More
  • LiuGong is investing in product development and manufacturing
    October 11, 2013
    LiuGong has been investing heavily in manufacturing and product development, as well as building international distribution – vice president David Beatenbough spoke with Mike Woof One of Chinese leading producers of wheeled loaders, LiuGong has an increasingly international flavour. The company has perhaps a larger contingent of North American and European executives and employees working in China than most of its competitors in the country.
    Read More
  • Developments in the concrete pavers market
    February 20, 2012
    The market for concrete pavers continues to fuel research and development into new models writes Mike Woof. The range and breadth of concrete slipforming and paving equipment on the market continues to grow as firms develop new and improved models. Prior to the recent CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011 construction equipment show in Las Vegas, some of the best known manufacturers had already announced their new and improved slipforming machines. GOMACO, Guntert & Zimmermann, Power Curbers and Wirtgen all had recent or ne
    Read More
  • New compact slipformer widens G&Z range
    March 17, 2016
    A new and more compact slipform paver is being introduced by Guntert & Zimmerman, widening the firm’s range of models. The company has been known in the past for its large slipform pavers used in road and airport runway jobs but in recent years has developed smaller and more compact units. The S400 shares many of its features with the existing S600, which was previously the most compact model in the line-up. The firm’s German representative, Peter Hedke said, “It’s the smallest machine we’ve ever built.”
    Read More

Highlighted Content